This course offers an exploration of selected biblical texts and themes from the Old and New Testaments, especially in relation to forthcoming lectionary readings and their uses in preaching. The emphasis will be on detailed analysis of those texts and themes and on introducing participants to key critical issues in reading the Bible in a church environment today.

6 x 2 hour lectures, and 1 x 4 hour study morning over 6 weeks as scheduled on MyCampus.

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Critical commentary (1000 words) - 50%

Reflective project (1000 words) - 50%

The critical commentary will ask students to comment upon a particular passage or theme using scholarship.

The reflective project will ask students to reflect upon the value of engaging with the Bible in liturgical contexts.

This course aims to:

■ Provide participants with the opportunity to explore main themes and texts of the Old and New Testaments;

■ Enable participants to discuss the basic critical issues and concepts involved in reading and interpreting biblical texts;

■ Encourage participants to integrate their understanding of biblical texts in relation to lectionary readings and other uses in worship.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Identify the context and main themes in selected texts of the Old and New Testaments;

■ Discuss the basic critical issues and concepts involved in interpreting biblical texts in a church-based environment;

■ Engage reflectively with the biblical literature and its uses for preaching.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.